“The most important thing is giving yourself a budget ahead of time which really requires some planning because a lot of people get into trouble with overspending,” Palmer said.

To think longterm for the holidays, Palmer said you should know where your money is going and how much you can set aside. Part of that can mean knowing how much you are willing to spend for each person on your gift list.

“I mean it sounds simple, but that's actually the best starting point. Because when people do overspend it tends to be because they don't have that limit,” Palmer said.

Kim Palmer, a writer for NerdWallet, recommends shoppers create a list with a hard budget with a set dollar amount they will not go over for each person. (Source: InvestigateTV)

She also recommended setting aside money now from each paycheck. $100 here and there could make a big difference come December 1.

“It’s never too early to start. There’s no problem with starting early. You just want to make sure you give yourself a budget,” Palmer said.

When the rest of us are shopping in December, Wilson will be home.

"I said thank God I won’t have to be out there at the end of the season going, ‘Oh lord! What am I going to do? What am I going to get so and so?’” Wilson said.

His goal this year is to have all his gifts bought by New Year's Day - for Christmas 2019.

“You want to make it simple at Christmas. You don’t want to feel like 'Oh God, I’ve got so much to do!’ Cookies to bake, and meals to plan, you don’t want to do that.”

If you have to travel for the holidays don't forget to factor that cost into your budget.

Unfortunately a lot of people buy tickets too soon or too late.

Palmer said, “The optimal price is usually one to two months before you travel. You want to buy your ticket at that time.”

For more tips on saving money for travel this holiday season, watch the video below.

Parents of students attending Advantage Charter Academy are fuming Friday night after being told their kids will be held back and will need to attend a 16-day summer school program in order to advance to the next grade.